Florida legislators are currently debating a bill to decouple the gambling licenses of Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs from their requirement to host horse races. This move follows the 2018 ban on dog racing that allowed dog tracks to continue operating card rooms without racing. House Bill 1467 proposes a five-year requirement for live racing before tracks can drop it. The bill faces strong opposition from the horse racing industry, which fears the livelihood of the sector is at stake, while supporters claim it will modernize the industry by providing more gaming options.
Rep. Felicia Simone Robinson stated that any changes to Gulfstream's casino license, obtained via voter referendum, should go back to the people, respecting their vote.
Trainer Jena Antonucci warned that the decoupling bill signifies a countdown to industry collapse, as it allows tracks to escape from the live racing requirement.
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